Boss Paul Lambert is overseeing a period of transition at the Midlands club, bringing in a number of young players to refresh his squad.

Indeed, in last week's home win over Reading, Villa fielded their youngest ever starting XI in the Premier League era, with an average age of 23 years and 324 days.

Results have not always gone their way, with the club currently down in 15th place with 14 points from their opening 15 matches.

However, Agbonlahor feels that is inevitable given the youthful nature of the side and he is confident results will improve as the players gain more experience.

"I've obviously been in quite a few different Villa teams through the years. And I'm excited about this one at the moment," the 26-year-old told the club's official website.

"It's an improving team. I feel we are progressing each week. You see development in each game. That's because we're getting more and more used to each other.

"It's a really good team in the making. But there's definitely progress already. And it's important to realise this isn't just a short-term fix, this is a long-term project which will bear fruit in the future. The future is good."

He added: "It's a fresh approach. It's about building, getting a close-knit group of young and hungry players who will develop together.

"There's a top team spirit too. We all work hard for the club and for each other. That's vital in any successful side and we have that in abundance.

"I am definitely excited at being part of this team. I am looking forward to the future."

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.